Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday stated that contractor Cezarah Rowena 'Sarah' Discaya's concerns for her safety will not exempt her from being held accountable for her alleged involvement in the multi-billion-peso ghost flood control project scandal.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano emphasized in a statement that Discaya's fears are consequences of her own actions, highlighting the potential danger to millions of Filipinos due to the diversion of funds meant for flood control projects. He asserted that while Discaya has the right to due process, her fears should not be used as an excuse to escape accountability.

Discaya turned herself in to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) last Tuesday, prior to the issuance of an arrest warrant against her concerning the alleged anomalous PHP96.5-million flood control projects in Davao Occidental. She cited fear for her safety as the reason for her surrender.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that it was the Discayas' choice to halt discussions with the government regarding their application for the Witness Protection Program. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon noted that the Discayas had been advised to return for discussions, but they failed to do so. He mentioned that if they genuinely wish to cooperate, the DOJ would be open to listening.

Fadullon also stated that Sarah Discaya's voluntary surrender could be seen as a 'mitigating circumstance' by the courts, potentially resulting in a lower sentence if she is convicted. He explained that under the law, voluntary surrender is considered a factor that can lessen the penalty once a sentence is rendered, even if it occurs before an arrest warrant is formally issued.